A-League champions Melbourne Victory have swung into immediate action following this week’s Middle East raid on striker Danny Allsopp, signing Brisbane Roar’s Robbie Kruse.
The Victory continued a busy week in the transfer market with the surprise signing of Kruse, one of the country’s most promising young talents, on a two-year deal.
Kruse has played the opening five matches for the Roar this season as an injury replacement player, including their 3-3 draw with the Victory last month.
The 20-year-old is set to officially link with the Victory on Friday ahead of their clash with the Wellington Phoenix at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Kruse’s signing follows Tuesday’s departure of Allsopp to cashed-up Qatari club Al-Rayyann on a seven-figure wage.
Kruse exploded into the A-League with the Roar three seasons ago.
But off-field disciplinary issues caused problems for him last season and he played just four matches for the Roar.
Yet the Victory are convinced Kruse, a wide attacker adept on either the right or left, can play a role for the club.
“He’s proven over the past three years that he has a lot to offer in a variety of roles and we believe he’ll fit well into our attacking set-up,” Victory football manager Gary Cole said.
Roar chief executive Peter McLennan said: “Melbourne have tabled a very good offer to Robbie that unfortunately we were unable to match.”
The Victory have also promoted midfielder Mate Dugandzic to their senior squad from their youth league side, signing him on a two-year deal.
Dugandzic played well during the last Victorian Premier League season with Melbourne Knights and has impressed since training with the Victory over the past month.
Cole confirmed the club intended to make at least one further addition.
They are likely to bring in an injury replacement player for Billy Celeski, who was last week ruled out for the remainder of the season with a serious knee injury.
“We’re looking locally and abroad and are keen to make further signings moving forward,” Cole said.
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